Oral care implement

ABSTRACT

An oral care implement including a handle and a replacement head that is detachably coupled to the handle. The oral care implement may include a handle having a longitudinal axis that includes a gripping portion and a stem extending from the gripping portion. The gripping portion may have a shoulder that circumferentially surrounds the stem and an annular rib protruding from the shoulder. The replacement head may have a sleeve portion terminating in a proximal edge that is formed from a resilient material. The replacement head may be detachably coupled to the handle so that the annular rib of the shoulder and the proximal edge of the sleeve portion that is formed of elastomeric material are in contact with one another.

BACKGROUND

Myriad implements and devices for maintaining oral health are known. Forexample, toothbrushes of both the manual and powered variety, floss,dentifrices, applicators, agents, and the like are all known to providedifferent benefits in the oral cavity. The structure and function ofsuch oral care implements are constantly being improved. For example, inpowered oral care implements it is desirable to improve the seal betweenthe replacement head and the handle to protect the electronic componentsthereof against water damage. Furthermore, it is also desirable toimprove the ability of a vibratory element to impart vibrations to thecleaning elements. Additionally, it is desirable to simplify manufactureof such oral care implements by automating the process or making iteasier to couple different components together to reduce manufacturingtime and cost. Finally, improving the aesthetic design of such oral careimplements facilitates an increase in sales. Thus, there is a need forimprovement in all of the aforementioned areas with regard to oral careimplements.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to an oral care implement including ahandle and a replacement head that is detachably coupled to the handle.The oral care implement may include a handle having a longitudinal axisthat includes a gripping portion and a stem extending from the grippingportion. The gripping portion may have a shoulder that surrounds thestem and an annular rib protruding from the shoulder. The replacementhead may have a sleeve portion terminating in a proximal edge that isformed from a resilient material. The replacement head may be detachablycoupled to the handle so that the annular rib of the shoulder and theproximal edge of the sleeve portion that is formed of elastomericmaterial are in contact with one another.

In one aspect, the invention may be an oral care implement comprising: ahandle having a longitudinal axis and comprising: a gripping portionextending from a proximal end to a distal end; and a stem extending fromthe distal end of the gripping portion, the gripping portion comprisinga shoulder that surrounds the stem and an annular rib protruding fromthe shoulder; a replacement head comprising a sleeve portion having acavity and an opening at a proximal edge of the sleeve portion, theproximal edge of the sleeve portion being formed from a resilientmaterial; and wherein the replacement head is detachably coupled to thehandle with the stem of the handle located within the cavity of thesleeve portion and the annular rib of the shoulder and the proximal edgeof the sleeve portion in contact with one another.

In another embodiment, the invention may be an oral care implementcomprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis and comprising agripping portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end and astem extending from the distal end of the gripping portion, the grippingportion comprising a shoulder that surrounds the stem; a replacementhead comprising a sleeve portion having a cavity and an opening at aproximal edge of the sleeve portion; one of the proximal edge of thesleeve portion and the shoulder of the gripping portion comprising aresilient material; an annular rib protruding from one of the proximaledge of the sleeve portion and the shoulder of the gripping portion; andwherein the replacement head is detachably coupled to the handle withthe stem of the handle located within the cavity of the sleeve portionand the proximal edge of the sleeve portion adjacent to the shoulder ofthe gripping portion so that the annular rib of the one of the proximaledge of the sleeve portion and the shoulder of the gripping portion isin direct surface contact with the other one of the proximal edge of thesleeve portion and the shoulder of the gripping portion.

In yet another embodiment, the invention may be an oral care implementcomprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis and comprising: agripping portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end; and astem extending from the distal end of the gripping portion, the stemhaving an inner cavity defined by an inner surface and an upper wall ofthe stem; a vibratory element at least partially located in the stem andoperably coupled to a power source, the vibratory element comprising amotor and an eccentric, the eccentric having a first end that is coupledto the motor and a second end opposite the first end, the second endcomprising an aperture; a guide pin fixed to the stem, a first portionof the guide pin protruding from the upper wall and into the innercavity of the stem and extending through the aperture in the second endof the eccentric; and a replacement head comprising a sleeve portionhaving a cavity, wherein the replacement head is detachably coupled tothe handle with the stem of the handle located within the cavity of thesleeve portion.

In still another embodiment, the invention may be a handle for anelectric toothbrush, the handle comprising: a gripping portion; a stemextending from the gripping portion, the stem comprising an innercavity; a vibratory element at least partially located in the stem andoperably coupled to a power source, the vibratory element comprising amotor and an eccentric, the eccentric having a first end that is coupledto the motor and a second end opposite the first end, the second endcomprising an aperture; and a guide pin non-movably coupled to the stem,the guide pin comprising a first portion and a second portion, thesecond portion of the guide pin embedded within a wall of the stem andthe first portion of the guide pin suspended within the inner cavity ofthe stem and extending through the aperture in the second end of theeccentric.

In a further embodiment, the invention may be a method of manufacturinga handle of an electric toothbrush, the method comprising: providing agripping portion of the handle; providing a mold that defines a moldcavity, the mold cavity corresponding to a stem of the handle;supporting a second portion of a guide pin within the mold cavity;injecting a first material into the mold cavity so that the firstmaterial surrounds the second portion of the guide pin, wherein uponcooling the first material hardens to form the stem of the handle withthe second portion of the guide pin being embedded within the stem and afirst portion of the guide pin suspended within a cavity of the stem;inserting a vibratory element into the cavity of the stem until thefirst portion of the guide pin extends into an aperture in a distal endof the vibratory element; and coupling the stem to the gripping portionso that at least a portion of the stem extends from a distal end of thegripping portion.

In a still further embodiment, the invention may be a replacement headfor detachable coupling to a handle of an oral care implement, thereplacement head comprising: a head portion having a front surface withtooth cleaning elements extending therefrom; a sleeve portion comprisinga cavity configured to receive a stem of the handle and a proximal edgedefining an opening into the cavity, the sleeve portion comprising afirst component formed of a rigid material and a second component formedof a resilient material; the first component of the sleeve portioncomprising a locking element that is configured to mate with a lockingfeature of the stem to couple the replacement head to the handle; andwherein a portion of the second component covers the locking element sothat no portion of the locking element is exposed at an outer surface ofthe sleeve portion.

In another embodiment, the invention may be a replacement head fordetachable coupling to a handle of an oral care implement, thereplacement head comprising: a head portion having a front surface withtooth cleaning elements extending therefrom; a sleeve portioncomprising: a body and an elastomeric material overmolded onto the body;a cavity configured to receive a stem of the handle; a proximal edgedefining an opening into the cavity; and a locking element configured tomate with a locking feature of the stem to couple the replacement headto the handle; and wherein the locking element comprises a slot formedinto the body of the sleeve portion, the elastomeric material forming asurface of the slot.

In still another embodiment, the invention may be a replacement head fordetachable coupling to a handle of an oral care implement, thereplacement head comprising: a head portion having a front surface withtooth cleaning elements extending therefrom; a sleeve portion comprisinga first component formed of a first material and a second componentformed of a second material, the first component comprising an innersurface that defines a cavity configured to receive a stem of thehandle, a proximal edge of the sleeve portion defining an opening intothe cavity; the first component comprising a slot configured to couplethe replacement head to the handle, the slot extending entirely throughthe first component from the outer surface to the inner surface; andwherein the second component forms an annular ring that surrounds aproximal end portion of the first component, a portion of the annularring forming a surface of the slot.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an oral care implement having areplacement head and a handle in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1illustrating the replacement head detached from a handle;

FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the oral care implementof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the replacement head of the oral careimplement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is a partial view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1illustrating the refill head aligned with the handle for coupling therefill head to the handle;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 1 inaccordance with the oral care implement of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a partial view of a first alternative embodiment of an oralcare implement illustrating the refill head aligned with the handle forcoupling the refill head to the handle;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 1 inaccordance with the first alternative embodiment of the oral careimplement of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a partial view of a second alternative embodiment of an oralcare implement illustrating the refill head aligned with the handle forcoupling the refill head to the handle;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 1 inaccordance with the second alternative embodiment of the oral careimplement of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a partial view of a third alternative embodiment of an oralcare implement illustrating the refill head aligned with the handle forcoupling the refill head to the handle;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 1 inaccordance with the third alternative embodiment of the oral careimplement of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a partial view of a fourth alternative embodiment of an oralcare implement illustrating the refill head aligned with the handle forcoupling the refill head to the handle;

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 1 inaccordance with the fourth embodiment of the oral care implement of FIG.10A;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a stem of the handle of the oral careimplement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a top front perspective view of an eccentric and a couplingmember of the oral care implement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a bottom front perspective view of the eccentric and thecoupling member of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a first component of thereplacement head of FIG. 4, a second component of the replacement headhaving been removed;

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the first component of thereplacement head of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the replacement head of FIG. 4including both the first and second components;

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the replacement head of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1 with thereplacement head detached from the handle;

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1 with thereplacement head coupled to the handle; and

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles ofthe present invention is intended to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entirewritten description. In the description of embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merelyintended for convenience of description and is not intended in any wayto limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as“lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,”“down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g.,“horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed torefer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawingunder discussion. These relative terms are for convenience ofdescription only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed oroperated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated assuch. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,”“interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structuresare secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectlythrough intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigidattachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated byreference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the inventionexpressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodimentsillustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that mayexist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of theinvention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each andevery value that is within the range. Any value within the range can beselected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references citedherein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In theevent of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and thatof a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 concurrently, an oral care implement 1000 isillustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.The oral care implement 1000 generally comprises a handle 100 and areplacement head 200. The replacement head 200 is detachably coupled tothe handle 100. Thus, the replacement head 200 may be repetitivelycoupled to and detached from the handle 100 as desired. This enables thehandle 100 to be kept and reused while the replacement head 200 isreplaced with a new replacement head when the cleaning elements of thereplacement head 200 become worn.

In the exemplified embodiment, the oral care implement 1000 is a poweredor electric toothbrush (including a vibratory element that moves abristle holder or vibrates the head or portions thereof). Of course, theinvention is not to be so limited in all embodiments and in otherembodiments the oral care implement 1000 may be a manual toothbrush, atongue scraper, a gum and soft tissue cleanser, a water pick, aninterdental device, a tooth polisher, a specially designed ansateimplement having tooth engaging elements, or any other type of implementthat is commonly used for oral care.

The handle 100 extends along a longitudinal axis A-A and comprises agripping portion 110 extending from a proximal end 111 to a distal end112 and a stem 120 that extends or protrudes from the distal end 112 ofthe gripping portion 110. In the exemplified embodiment, the stem 120 isnot directly attached to the gripping portion 110, but rather it extendsthrough an opening 139 in the distal end 112 of the gripping portion110. Thus, stating that the stem 120 “extends from” the distal end 112of the gripping portion 110 does not require a direct coupling betweenthe stem 120 and the distal end 112 of the gripping portion 110, butmerely requires that the stem 120 extends in the longitudinal directionA-A beyond the distal end 112 of the gripping portion 110. Of course,the stem 120 may be directly coupled to and extend directly from thedistal end 112 of the gripping portion 110 in some embodiments. Asdiscussed below and shown in FIG. 3, in the exemplified embodiment thehandle 100 houses all of the electronic components of the oral careimplement 1000.

In the exemplified embodiment, the gripping portion 110 of the handle100 comprises a button 113 on its outer surface that enables a user topower the oral care implement 1000 on and off. Specifically, the button113, when depressed, engages a switch that powers a motor of the oralcare implement 1000 and causes the motor, via its coupling to aneccentric, to create vibrations that enhance a user's cleaningexperience. The details of these electronic components will be describedmore fully herein below.

The replacement head 200 comprises a sleeve portion 210 and a headportion 220. The sleeve portion 210 is the portion that fits over thestem 120 of the handle 100 to couple the replacement head 200 to thehandle 100. The head portion 220 has a plurality of tooth cleaningelements 215 extending therefrom for cleaning a user's oral cavity suchas the teeth and gums. Additional details of the replacement head 200will be provided below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5.

In the exemplified embodiment, the gripping portion 110 of the handle100 comprises a first part 130 and a second part 131 that are detachablycoupled together. Of course, it is possible in other embodiments for thegripping portion 110 to be formed from a single unitary component.However, the two-part gripping portion 110 may make it easier toassemble the various components of the oral care implement 1000together.

The first part 130 has a closed bottom end 132 and an open top end 133.Of course, in other embodiments the bottom end 132 could be open and aseparate end cap could be coupled to the bottom end 132 of the firstpart 130. Furthermore, the first part 130 comprises a cavity 134 definedby its inner surface. The second part 131 comprises an open bottom end135, an open top end 136, and a cavity 137 extending between the openbottom and top ends 135, 136. The open top end 136 of the second part131 of the gripping portion 110 of the handle 100 forms the distal end112 of the gripping portion 110 and also defines the opening 139 throughwhich the stem 120 extends.

The first part 130 of the gripping portion 110 comprises threads on itsinner surface adjacent the open top end 133 and the second part 131 ofthe gripping portion 110 comprises threads on its outer surface adjacentthe open bottom end 135. The first and second parts 130, 131 cantherefore be screwed together via engagement between their respectivethreads. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited and the firstand second parts 130, 131 may be configured to be coupled together inother manners, including interference fit, lock and key, boss/detent,hardware (i.e., screws, bolts, etc.), or the like. However, in certainembodiments it is preferred that the first and second parts 130, 131 becapable of being detached from one another for replacement of a batteryas described further below. An O-ring 138 (or other type of gasket) maybe provided between the first and second parts 130, 131 of the grippingportion 110 to seal the interface of the first and second parts 130, 131so that water and other fluids cannot pass into the cavities 134, 137during use of the oral care implement 1000 or otherwise.

An electronics component 150 is housed within the cavities 134, 137 ofthe first and second parts 130, 131 of the gripping portion 110. Thus,the electronics component 150 may be inserted into the cavity 137 of thesecond part 131, and then when the first part 130 is coupled to thesecond part 131, the electronics component 150 is also inserted into thecavity 134 of the first part 130 by extending through the open top end133 of the first part 130. Specifically, the electronics component 150has a greater length than the second part 131 of the gripping portion110 and thus when the electronics component 150 is located within thecavity 137 of the second part 131, a portion of the electronicscomponent 150 extends through the open bottom end 135 of the second part131. When the first part 130 is later coupled to the second part 131,the portion of the electronics component 150 that extends from the openbottom end 135 of the second part 131 becomes positioned within thecavity 134 of the first part 130.

The electronics component 150 comprises a circuit board 155 comprisingthe electronic circuitry necessary for proper operation of the oral careimplement 1000, including processor(s), memory device(s), switch(es)157, resistors, capacitors, and the like. The electronics component 150also comprises a chassis 156 that holds a power source 151, which isshown as a battery exploded away from the electronics component 150 inFIG. 3. Of course, more than one battery may be used. In the exemplifiedembodiment, the circuit board 155 is coupled to one side of the chassis156 and the batteries are housed within a compartment located on theopposite side of the chassis 156. Of course, other arrangements arepossible in other embodiments. Generally, the electronics component 150is configured to be coupled to a motor to control operation of the motorsuch that when the switch 157 is closed the motor is operating and whenthe switch is open the motor is not operating.

The stem 120 is a separate component from the gripping portion 110.During assembly of the oral care implement 1000, the stem 120 isinserted into the cavity 137 of the second part 131 before the secondpart 131 is coupled to the first part 130. Specifically, the stem 120 isinserted through the open bottom end 135 of the second part 131 andtranslated axially within the cavity 137 until a portion of the stem 120contacts an inner surface of the second part 131 such that the stem 120can not be translated any further. At this point, a portion of the stem120 extends from the distal end 112 of the gripping portion 120 asdiscussed previously. Once the stem 120 is positioned in this manner,the electronics portion 150 is inserted into the cavity 137 of thesecond part 131 as described above. Finally, after the electronicsportion 150 is inserted into the cavity 137 of the second part 131, thefirst and second parts 130, 131 of the gripping portion 110 may becoupled together to form the handle 100.

A gasket 165 is provided at the junction of the stem 120 and thegripping portion 110 to prevent the ingress of liquids at the locationof the junction of those two components. The gasket 165 is coupled tothe stem 120 so as to surround a portion of a lower portion 121 of thestem 120. Furthermore, the gasket 165 presses against the inner surfaceof the second component 131 of the gripping portion 110 to maintain thestem 120 in position without the stem 120 falling into the cavity 137. Aportion of the gasket 165 is visible when the handle 100 is fullyassembled with the replacement head 200 detached therefrom, as bestillustrated in FIG. 2. The interaction of the gasket 165 with the stem120 and the gripping portion 110 is best shown in FIG. 6B. A secondgasket 178 may be coupled to another portion of the lower portion 121 ofthe stem 120 and collectively the gasket 165 and the second gasket 178operate to prevent the ingress of fluids into the cavities 134, 137. Ofcourse, one or both of the gasket 165 and the second gasket 178 may beomitted in alternative embodiments.

The stem 120 comprises an inner cavity 122 (FIGS. 6B and 14) that housesa motor 160, an eccentric 161, a coupling member 162 that couples themotor 160 to the eccentric 161, and a guide pin 170. The motor 160, theeccentric 161, and the coupling member 162 may be referred to hereincollectively as a vibratory element 199 (labeled in FIGS. 11 and 14)because these components are coupled together and operate collectivelyto impart vibrations to the head portion 220 and the tooth cleaningelements 215 of the replacement head 200. The motor 160 is electricallycoupled to the electronics component 150 and the power source 151 viaconductive wires 163 to control operation of the motor 160. When themotor 160 is activated, the eccentric 161 is caused to rotate due to itscoupling to the motor 160. Due to the off-center rotation of theeccentric 161 relative to a central axis of the motor, rotation of theeccentric 161 imparts vibrations to the head portion 210 of thereplacement head 200. The stem 120, the motor 160, the eccentric 161,the coupling member 162, and the guide pin 170 will be discussed in moredetail below with reference to FIGS. 11-14.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 6A, and 6B concurrently, in the exemplifiedembodiment the distal end 112 of the gripping portion 110 comprises ashoulder 114 that surrounds the stem 120. In the exemplified embodiment,the shoulder 114 is annular or ring shaped. However, the invention isnot to be so limited and the shoulder 114 could be square, triangular,pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other shape as may be desired. Thus, theshoulder 114 is not limited to any particular shape. Furthermore, anannular rib 115 protrudes from the shoulder 114. In this embodiment, theannular rib 115 forms a continuous ring-shaped protrusion or wall thatextends along the entirety of the shoulder 114 so that the annular rib115 also surrounds the stem 120. Thus, in this embodiment the annularrib 115 does not have any gaps or spaces therein, but it extendscontinuously in an annular fashion. However, the annular rib 115 neednot be continuous in all embodiments and it may instead form adiscontinuous ring-shaped protrusion or wall comprising a plurality ofspaced apart rib segments (discussed below with reference to FIGS. 7Aand 7B).

Furthermore, although the annular rib 115 is illustrated as being aring-like protrusion or wall that is circular and smooth, in otherembodiments the annular rib 115 may take on other shapes, such as beingoval, curvy, sinusoidal, wavy, or the like. For example, the annular rib115 may have scalloped edges that are rounded, pointed, or anything inbetween. Thus, although a perfectly smooth circular wall or illustratedin the exemplified embodiment, the invention is not to be so limited inthis regard.

The annular rib 115 extends from the shoulder 114 in a central locationof the shoulder 114. Of course, the invention is not to be limited bythis specific positioning of the annular rib 115 and it may be locatedalong other portions of the shoulder 114. Specifically, in theexemplified embodiment the shoulder 114 comprises a first ring-shapedportion 117 and a second ring-shaped portion 118, the annular rib 115being located between the first and second ring-shaped portions 117,118. In the exemplified embodiment, the first ring-shaped portion 117has a greater diameter than and surrounds the annular rib 115 and theannular rib 115 has a greater diameter than and surrounds the secondring-shaped portion 118. The first and second ring-shaped portions 117,118 of the shoulder 114 remain exposed despite the existence of theannular rib 115. In the exemplified embodiment, the second ring-shapedportion 118 has a greater width measured in a direction transverse tothe longitudinal axis A-A of the handle 100 than the first ring-shapedportion 117. However, in other embodiments the opposite may be true, orthe first and second ring-shaped portions 117, 118 of the shoulder 114may have an identical width.

The annular rib 115 has a height H1 measured from the shoulder 114 to adistal end 116 of the annular rib 115. In the exemplified embodiment,the annular rib 115 extends only minimally from the shoulder 114, andthus the height H1 of the annular rib 115 is about 1 mm or less measuredin the direction of the longitudinal axis A-A. Of course, the annularrib 115 may extend a greater height from the shoulder 114 in otherembodiments. The annular rib 115 has a constant height H1 and a constantdiameter in the exemplified embodiment, although this need not be truein all embodiments. The height H1 and/or diameter of the annular rib 115could instead be inconstant if so desired. However, having a constantheight H1 will make for a better seal between the handle 100 and thereplacement head 200 as described herein unless a proximal edge 211 ofthe replacement head 200 has a similarly inconstant structure.

As best seen in FIG. 6B, in the exemplified embodiment the distal end116 of the annular rib 115 forms a flat top surface of the annular rib115, but it may be rounded or the like in other embodiments. Thus, inthe exemplified embodiment the annular rib 115 has a cross-sectionalshape in the form of a truncated cone, although other shapes arepossible without detracting from the benefits that the annular rib 115provides. In the exemplified embodiment, the annular rib 115 is formedintegrally with the gripping portion 110 of the handle 100. Thus, theannular rib 115 is formed of a rigid material, such as hard plastic,along with the remainder of the gripping portion 110 of the handle 100.In other embodiments, an elastomeric material may be provided on thegripping portion 110 to form the shoulder 114 of the gripping portion110 and the annular rib 115 may be formed integrally with theelastomeric material. Other variations to this will be described belowwith reference to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7A-10B.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the replacement head 200 will bedescribed in detail. The replacement head 200 comprises the sleeveportion 210 and the head portion 220 that is coupled to the sleeveportion 210. The sleeve and head portions 210, 220 may be integrallyformed as a single unitary structure. The sleeve and head portions 210,220 may comprise a base or body portion formed of a hard plasticmaterial such as polypropylene or the like and an elastomeric materialmay be overmolded onto the base or body portion. As mentioned above, thereplacement head 200 comprise the plurality of tooth cleaning elements215 that extend from a front surface 221 of the head portion 220 and asoft tissue cleaner 216 is located on a rear surface 222 of the headportion 220. Of course, the soft tissue cleaner 216 could be omitted insome alternative embodiments.

The tooth cleaning elements 215 are illustrated on the head with aspecific arrangement and pattern. Specifically, the tooth cleaningelements 215 include a combination of filament bristles 217 andelastomeric cleaning elements 218 that collectively form a bristlefield. In certain embodiments, the exact structure, pattern,orientation, and material of the tooth cleaning elements 215 are not tobe limiting of the present invention. Thus, the term “tooth cleaningelements” may be used herein in a generic sense to refer to anystructure that can be used to clean, polish or wipe the teeth and/orsoft oral tissue (e.g. tongue, cheek, gums, etc.) through relativesurface contact. Common examples of “tooth cleaning elements” include,without limitation, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles,nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomericprotrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, combinations thereof, and/orstructures containing such materials or combinations. Suitableelastomeric materials include any biocompatible resilient materialsuitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimumcomfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material of thetooth or soft tissue engaging elements has a hardness property in therange of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. One suitable elastomeric material isstyrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured byGLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from other manufacturers orother materials within and outside the noted hardness range could beused.

The tooth cleaning elements 215 of the present invention can beconnected to the head portion 220 in any manner known in the art. Forexample, staples/anchors, in-mold tufting (IMT) or anchor free tufting(AFT) could be used to mount the cleaning elements/tooth engagingelements. In certain embodiments, the invention can be practiced withvarious combinations of stapled, IMT or AFT bristles. In the exemplifiedembodiment, the filament bristles 217 are secured to the head portion220 using staples/anchors and the elastomeric cleaning elements 218 areintegrally formed with the soft tissue cleaner 216 through one or morepassageways 219 extending through the head portion 220 from the frontsurface 221 to the rear surface 222 thereof.

The sleeve portion 210 of the replacement head 200 extends from aproximal edge 211 at a proximal portion of the replacement head 200 tothe head portion 220. Furthermore, the sleeve portion 210 of thereplacement head 200 comprises an outer surface 212 and an oppositeinner surface 213, the inner surface 213 defining a cavity 214. Anopening 245 is formed into the sleeve portion 210 at the proximal edge211 that forms a passageway into the cavity 214. The cavity 214 is sizedand shaped to receive the stem 120 of the handle 100 when thereplacement head 200 is coupled to the handle 100.

In the exemplified embodiment, the proximal edge 211 of the sleeveportion 210 is formed from or comprises an elastomeric material. Morespecifically, the replacement head 200 comprises a first component 230formed of a first material and a second component 240 formed of a secondmaterial. In the exemplified embodiment, the first component 230comprises a rigid material such as a hard plastic material (i.e.,polypropylene or the like) and forms a main body of the replacement head200 and the second component 240 comprises a resilient material such asa thermoplastic elastomer or other elastomeric material. The secondmaterial 240 may be injection molded onto the first material 230 to formthe replacement head 200.

The first component 230 extends from a bottom edge 231 to a top end 232and comprises a bottom portion 233 that includes the bottom edge 231. Inthe exemplified embodiment, the second material 240 is an integral massof elastomeric material comprising a first portion that forms an annularring 250 at the proximal portion of the sleeve portion 210, a secondportion that forms the soft tissue cleaner 216 on the rear surface 222of the head portion 220, a third portion 236 that extends between theannular ring 250 and the soft tissue cleaner 216, and a fourth portionthat forms the elastomeric cleaning elements 218 extending from thefront surface 221 of the head portion 220. A first portion 251 of theannular ring 250 surrounds the bottom portion 233 of the first component230 and a second portion 252 of the annular ring 250 extends beyond thebottom edge 231 of the first component 230. Because the second portion252 of the annular ring 250 extends beyond the bottom edge 231 of thefirst component 230, the second portion 252 of the annular ring 250 isnot positioned in an abutting relationship with any part of the firstcomponent 230. Thus, the second portion 252 of the annular ring 250forms a cantilever. Due to this and the resiliency of the material ofthe second component 240, the second portion 252 of the annular ring 250has a significant amount of flexibility in radial and axial directions.It should be noted that the annular ring 250 does not at all cover thebottom edge 231 of the first component 230, and thus the bottom edge 231of the first component 230 remains exposed when viewed from the bottomof the replacement head 200.

In the exemplified embodiment, the first component 230 comprises anannular recess 234 within the bottom portion 233 and the first portion251 of the annular ring 250 is located within the annular recess 234. Asa result, an outer surface 253 of the annular ring 250 is flush with anouter surface 235 of the first component 230 at the interface of thefirst component 230 and the annular ring 250 of the second component240. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the entirety of theinner surface 213 of the sleeve portion 210 of the replacement head 200is formed by the first component 230. Thus, no portion of the secondcomponent 240 forms the inner surface 213 of the sleeve portion 210 orcovers any portion of the inner surface of the first component 230. Thesecond component 240 is only positioned atop of (i.e., overmolded onto)parts of the outer surface of the first component 230.

Due to the structure outlined above, when the replacement head 200 isviewed by a consumer, the annular ring 250 on the proximal portion ofthe sleeve portion 210 will stand out in a visual sense. In someembodiments, this may be made more prominent by forming the firstcomponent 230 out of a hard plastic material having a first color andforming the second component 240 out of an elastomeric material having asecond color that is different than the first color. The elastomericannular ring 250 at the bottom of the sleeve portion 210 provides bothan aesthetic benefit as well as a functional one, described more fullybelow.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B concurrently, the proximal edge 211 of thesleeve portion 210, which is formed from an elastomeric material in theexemplified embodiment, forms a generally flat surface in that it isfree of any depressions therein or protrusions extending therefrom. Theproximal edge 211 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A in theexemplified embodiment, but it could be oblique to the longitudinal axisA-A in other embodiments.

When the replacement head 200 is coupled to the handle 100, the stem 120of the handle 100 is located within the cavity 214 of the sleeve portion210 of the replacement head 200. Furthermore, the proximal edge 211 ofthe sleeve portion 210 is located adjacent to the shoulder 114 of thegripping portion 110. As discussed above, the annular rib 115 protrudesfrom the shoulder 114 and the proximal edge 211 of the sleeve portion210 comprises an elastomeric material. As a result, when the replacementhead 200 is coupled to the handle 100, the annular rib 115 contacts, andpotentially deforms, the elastomeric or resilient material of theproximal edge 211 of the sleeve portion 210. This creates a tight sealbetween the proximal edge 211 of the sleeve portion 210 of thereplacement head 200 and the shoulder 114 of the gripping portion 110 ofthe handle 100 that prevents fluids such as toothpaste, water, saliva,and/or slurry from flowing into the area between the sleeve portion 210of the replacement head 200 and the stem 120 of the handle 100. This isbeneficial because users rarely detach the replacement head 200 from thehandle 100 until it is being exchanged for a new replacement head 200,and thus fluid in the cavity 214 of the replacement head 200 may turn tobacteria over time. The seal between the proximal edge 211 of thereplacement head 200 and the annular rib 115 also provides an additionalbarrier against fluid flow into the interior of the gripping portion110, which houses the electronics component 150 as mentioned above.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an alternative embodiment of an oral careimplement 1000 a will be described. The oral care implement 1000 acomprises a handle 100 a and a replacement head 200 a. The replacementhead 200 a is identical to the replacement head 200 of FIGS. 1-6B andthus it will not be further described herein, it being understood thatthe description above is applicable. The handle 100 a is identical tothe handle 100 of FIGS. 1-6B with the exception of the descriptionbelow. Thus, the description of the handle 100 above is applicable tothe handle 100 a with the exception of that which is described belowwith specific reference to the handle 100 a.

The handle 100 a comprises a gripping portion 110 a and a stem 120 aprotruding from a distal end 112 a of the gripping portion 110 a. Thedistal end 112 a of the gripping portion 110 a forms a shoulder 114 athat circumferentially surrounds the stem 120 a. Furthermore, thegripping portion 110 a comprises an annular rib 115 a protruding fromthe shoulder 114 a. In this embodiment, the annular rib 115 a isidentical to the annular rib 115 except that it is not a continuousring-like protrusion or wall. Rather, in this embodiment the annular rib115 a forms a discontinuous ring-like protrusion or wall comprising aplurality of spaced apart rib segments 129 a each of which protrudesform the shoulder 114 a. Specifically, each of the rib segments 129 a iscircumferentially spaced apart from the rib segments 129 a that areadjacent to it. As seen in FIG. 7B, when the replacement head 200 a iscoupled to the handle 100 a, the rib segments 129 a of the annular rib115 a contact and potentially deform the resilient material at aproximal edge 211 a of a sleeve portion 210 a of the replacement head100 a.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, another alternative embodiment of an oralcare implement 1000 b will be described. The oral care implement 1000 bgenerally comprises a handle 100 b and a replacement head 200 b that isdetachably coupled to the handle 100 b. In this embodiment, the handle100 b is identical to the handle 100 of FIGS. 1-6B and thus it will notbe described in any detail herein, it being understood that thedescription of the handle 100 is applicable. Furthermore, thereplacement head 200 b is quite similar to the replacement head 200 ofFIGS. 1-6B and thus except for the differences noted herein below, thedescription of the replacement head 200 is applicable.

The replacement head 200 b comprises a sleeve portion 210 b having aproximal edge 211 b that is formed of a resilient or elastomericmaterial such as a thermoplastic elastomer. The sleeve portion 210 b mayhave an annular ring 250 b formed of elastomeric material as with theembodiment of FIGS. 1-6B. The difference between the replacement head200 b and the replacement head 200 is that the replacement head 200 bcomprises an annular depression 229 b formed into the proximal edge 211b of the sleeve portion 210 b. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment theannular depression 229 b is formed into the elastomeric material thatforms the proximal edge 211 b of the sleeve portion 210 b of thereplacement head 200 b. However, in other embodiments the proximal edge211 b of the sleeve portion 210 b may be formed of a hard plastic ratherthan a resilient material while still having the annular depression 229b formed therein.

As seen in FIG. 8B, when the replacement head 200 b is coupled to thehandle 100 b, the annular rib 115 b protruding from the shoulder 114 bat the distal end 112 b of the gripping portion 110 b of the handle 100b nests within the annular depression 229 b formed into the proximaledge 211 b of the sleeve portion 210 b of the replacement head 200 b.Thus, due to the incorporation of the annular depression 229 b into theproximal edge 211 b of the sleeve portion 210 b, the annular rib 115 bdoes not deform the resilient material at the proximal edge 211 b of thesleeve portion 210 b. Rather, the annular rib 115 b simply nests withinthe annular depression 229 b, thereby forming a tight seal to preventthe flow of fluid (saliva, toothpaste slurry, etc.) past the interfaceof the replacement head 200 b and the handle 100 b. Furthermore, becausethe proximal edge 211 b of the sleeve portion 210 b does not need to bedeformed to accommodate the annular rib 115 b, as noted above it ispossible in this embodiment to form the proximal edge 211 b of thesleeve portion 210 b out of a rigid material such as a hard plasticrather than forming it out of a resilient material such as athermoplastic elastomer.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, yet another alternative embodiment of anoral care implement 1000 c is illustrated. The oral care implement 1000c generally comprises a handle 100 c and a replacement head 200 c. Inthis embodiment, the handle 100 c is identical to the handle 100 ofFIGS. 1-6B except that the annular rib 115 has been removed. Thus, thehandle 100 c comprises a gripping portion 110 c and a stem 120 cprotruding from a distal end 112 c of the gripping portion 110 c. Thedistal end 112 c of the gripping portion 110 c forms a shoulder 114 cthat circumferentially surrounds the stem 120 c. However, in thisembodiment the shoulder 114 c forms a smooth, flat surface and there isno rib protruding therefrom.

The replacement head 200 c comprises a sleeve portion 210 c having aproximal edge 211 c. In this embodiment, the proximal edge 211 c of thesleeve portion 210 c is formed from a resilient or elastomeric material.However, the proximal edge 211 c of the sleeve portion 210 c need not beformed from an elastomeric material in all embodiments and it could beformed from a rigid material (i.e., hard plastic such as polypropyleneor the like) in other embodiments. Furthermore, in this embodiment anannular rib 228 c protrudes from the proximal edge 211 c of the sleeveportion 210 c. Thus, the main difference between this embodiment andthose previously described is that the annular rib 228 c protrudes fromthe proximal edge 211 c of the sleeve portion 210 c rather than from theshoulder 114 c of the gripping portion 110 c of the handle 100 c. Theannular rib 228 c may form a continuous ring-like protrusion or wall ormay form a discontinuous ring-like protrusion or wall comprising spacedapart rib segments as described above with regard to the previouslydisclosed embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 9B, when the replacement head 200 c is coupled to thehandle 100 c, the annular rib 228 c of the replacement head 200 ccontacts the shoulder 114 c of the gripping portion 110 c of the handle100 c. In embodiments whereby the annular rib 228 c is formed from anelastomeric material, the annular rib 228 c may be deformed as itcontacts the shoulder 114 c, thereby creating a leak-tight seal betweenthe replacement head 100 c and the handle 200 c. Of course, the annularrib 228 c may alternatively be formed from a rigid plastic material.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, a final alternative oral care implement1000 d is illustrated. The oral care implement 1000 d comprises a handle100 d and a replacement head 200 d. The handle 100 d comprises agripping portion 110 d and a stem 120 d protruding from a distal end 112d/shoulder 114 d of the gripping portion 110 d. The replacement head 200d comprises a sleeve portion 210 d having a proximal edge 211 d. Thereplacement head 200 d is identical to the replacement head 200 d inthat it comprises an annular rib 228 d protruding from the proximal edge211 d of the sleeve portion 210 d. In this embodiment, the proximal edge211 d comprises or is formed from a resilient/elastomeric material,although it is not required in all embodiments and it could be formedfrom a hard plastic material in other embodiments.

The main difference between the oral care implement 1000 d and the oralcare implement 100 c is that an annular depression 128 d is formed intothe shoulder 114 d at the distal end 112 d of the gripping portion 110d. As a result, when the replacement head 200 d is coupled to the handle100 d, the annular rib 228 d protruding from the proximal edge 211 d ofthe sleeve portion 210 d nests within the annular depression 128 dformed into the shoulder 114 d of the gripping portion 110 d. Thus,regardless of whether the annular rib 228 d is formed from a resilientmaterial (such as thermoplastic elastomer) or a rigid material (such ashard plastic), a tight seal will be formed between the replacement head200 d and the handle 100 d as the annular rib 228 d nests within theannular depression 128 d.

In each of these embodiments of the oral care implements 1000 a-d, theannular rib protruding from one of the proximal edge 211 a-d of thetubular sleeve 210 a-d of the replacement head 200 a-d or from theshoulder 114 a-d of the gripping portion 110 a-d of the handle 100 a-dinteracts with the other one of the proximal edge 211 a-d and theshoulder 114 a-d to create a seal that prevents fluids such astoothpaste, water, saliva, and slurry from reaching the internal stem ofthe oral care implement 1000 a-d. This eases the cleaning andmaintenance routine for the user of the oral care implement 1000 a-d.This is true regardless of whether the annular rib protrudes from thereplacement head 200 a-d or from the handle 100 a-d and regardless ofwhether the annular rib engages a flat surface of the replacement head200 a-d or handle 100 a-d or whether the annular rib nests within adepression in the replacement head 200 a-d or handle 100 a-d. In someembodiments, at least one of the interface surfaces (i.e., the proximaledge 211 a-d of the replacement head 200 a-d and the shoulder 114 a-d ofthe gripping portion 110 a-d of the handle 100 a-d) comprises aresilient material. Either the same interface surface that comprises theresilient material or the other interface surface comprises the annularrib. Thus, there is plenty of variation in structure possible whilestill achieving the function of preventing fluid from leaking into theinterior of the various components of the oral care implements 1000 a-d.

Referring to FIGS. 11-14, the stem 120 of the oral care implement 1000of FIGS. 1-6B and the components that are housed within the inner cavity122 of the stem 120 will be described in more detail. The stem 120comprises an inner surface 123 and an opposite outer surface 124. Theinner cavity 122 of the stem 120 is defined by the inner surface 123 ofthe stem 120 and an upper wall 125 of the stem 120. As describedpreviously, the motor 160, the eccentric 161, the coupling member 162,and the guide pin 170 are at least partially housed or contained withinthe inner cavity 122 of the stem 120. Furthermore, the motor 160 iscoupled to the electronics component 150 that is located within thehandle 110 via wires 163 so that the power source of the electronicscomponent 150 can provide power to the motor 160 when it is desired toactivate the motor 160.

Referring specifically, to FIGS. 11 and 14, the guide pin 170 comprisesa first portion 171 and a second portion 172. The second portion 172 ofthe guide pin 170 is embedded within the stem 120 while the firstportion 171 of the guide pin 170 protrudes from the upper wall 125 ofthe stem 120 into the inner cavity 122 of the stem 120. Thus, the guidepin 170 is fixedly coupled to the stem 120 due to the second portion 172of the guide pin 170 being embedded within the stem 120. As a result ofthis fixed coupling of the guide pin 170 to the stem 120, the guide pin170 is non-rotatable and non-movable relative to the stem 120. Statedanother way, the guide pin 170 is axially and rotationally fixedrelative to the stem 120 such that the guide pin 170 is non-movablerelative to the stem 120.

To be even more specific, the stem 120 is preferably formed of a rigidmaterial, such as a hard plastic like polypropylene or the like. Thestem 120 extends from a proximal end 140 to a distal end 141. The stem120 comprises an upper portion 142 located between the upper wall 125 ofthe stem 120 and the distal end 141 of the stem 120. The second portion172 of the guide pin 170 is embedded within the upper portion 142 of thestem 120. Thus, the rigid material of the stem 120 completely surroundsthe second portion 172 of the guide pin 170 to affix the guide pin 170to the stem 120. The first portion 171 of the guide pin 170 extends fromthe upper wall 125 of the stem 120 into the inner cavity 122 of the stem120 so that the first portion 171 of the guide pin 170 is suspendedwithin the inner cavity 122 of the stem 120 in a cantilevered manner.

The guide pin 170 is elongated along an axis B-B from a first end 173 toa second end 174. The first portion 171 of the guide pin 170 comprisesthe first end 173 and the second portion 172 of the guide pin 170comprises the second end 174. In the exemplified embodiment, the guidepin 170 comprises a main body 177, a first ring-like protrusion 175, anda second ring-like protrusion 176. Each of the first and secondring-like protrusions 175, 176 extend from the main body 177 of theguide pin 170 along the second portion 172 of the guide pin 170 in aradial manner. Thus, in the exemplified embodiment each of the first andsecond ring-like protrusions 175, 176 circumferentially surround aportion of the main body 177 of the guide pin 170 within the secondportion 172 of the guide pin 170. Although in the exemplified embodimentthe first and second ring-like protrusions are ring-like in shape, theinvention is not to be so limited and they could merely be one or morelinear elements that protrude transversely from the main body 177. Thefirst and second ring-like protrusions 175, 176 assist in maintainingthe guide pin 170 fixed to the stem 120 as described herein. Thus, anyshaped feature, whether it be annular, linear, or the like, can be usedso long as it enhances the affixation of the guide pin 170 to the stem120. Although two of the ring-like protrusions are illustrated in theexemplified embodiment, a single ring-like protrusion or more than tworing-like protrusions might be used in other embodiments withoutdetracting from the functionality of those features.

The first and second ring-like protrusions 175, 176 are axially spacedapart from one another along the second portion 172 of the guide pin170. When the guide pin 170 is fixed to the stem 120 as describedherein, a portion of the material of the stem 120, which is preferably arigid material, is located between the first and second ring-likeprotrusions 175, 176. This serves to make it extremely difficult toremove the guide pin 170 from its attachment to the stem 120.Specifically, pulling on the guide pin 170 relative to the stem 120 inthe axial direction of the guide pin 170 will not easily result inseparating the guide pin 170 from the stem 120 due to the interactionbetween at least the second ring-like protrusion 176 and the rigidmaterial of the stem 120. In fact, in certain embodiments it would beimpossible to remove the guide pin 170 from the stem 120 withoutbreaking the stem 120. If the guide pin 170 were simply an elongatedmember without the ring-like protrusions, it might be possible to pullon the guide pin 170 in the axial direction with sufficient force toremove the second portion 172 of the guide pin 170 from the upperportion 142 of the stem 140. The ring-like protrusions 175, 176 makethis type of action difficult if not impossible. In the exemplifiedembodiment, the guide pin 170 is formed out of a metal material,although the invention is not to be so limited and other rigid materialsincluding hard plastics or the like could be used for the guide pin 170.

Referring again to FIGS. 11-14 concurrently, the eccentric 161 and thecoupling member 162 will be described in greater detail. The eccentric161 comprises a first end 164 that is operably coupled to the motor 160(indirectly via the coupling member 162 in the exemplified embodimentbut this could be a direct coupling in other embodiments) and a secondend 198 that is coupled to the guide pin 170. Specifically, the secondend 198 of the eccentric 161 comprises an aperture 166 that receives thefirst portion 171 of the guide pin 170 when the eccentric 161 isproperly housed within the inner cavity 122 of the stem 120.

To be more specific, the eccentric 161 comprises a main body 167extending along a longitudinal axis C-C from a first end 168 to a secondend 169. Furthermore, the eccentric 161 comprises a first flange 180extending transversely from the second end 169 of the main body 167 anda second flange 181 extending transversely from the first end 168 of themain body 167. The main body 167 of the eccentric 161 comprises an innersurface 182 and an opposite outer surface 183. In the exemplifiedembodiment, the inner surface 182 is flat/planar and the outer surface183 is convex. However, in other embodiments the inner surface 182 couldbe concave or convex and the outer surface 183 could be flat or concaveand thus this particular feature is not necessarily limiting of thepresent invention. Each of the first and second flanges 180, 181 extendsfrom the inner surface 182 of the main body 167. The first flange 180forms the second end 198 of the eccentric 161 and thus in theexemplified embodiment the aperture 166 is formed into the first flange180.

Furthermore, the main body 167 of the eccentric 161 comprises adepression 184 formed into the inner surface 182. In the exemplifiedembodiment, the depression 184 is elongated in a direction of thelongitudinal axis C-C. The depression 184 extends from the second end169 of the main body 167 towards the first end 168 of the main body 167along a portion of the length of the main body 167. In the exemplifiedembodiment, the main body 167 has a length measured between the firstand second ends 168, 169 and the depression 184 extends along the meanbody 167 for a distance that is less than one-half, or less thanone-third, of the length of the main body 167. The depression 184 couldhave a length greater than that which is shown in the exemplifiedembodiment in alternative embodiments without detracting from thefunctionality of the invention described herein.

Referring to FIG. 14, as noted above the guide pin 170 is fixed withinthe upper portion 142 of the stem 120 with the first portion 171 of theguide pin 170 extending from the upper wall 125 of the stem 120 and intothe inner cavity 120 of the stem 120. When the eccentric 161 istranslated into the inner cavity 122 of the stem 120, the first portion171 of the guide pin 170 enters into and through the aperture 166 in theeccentric 161. Furthermore, the first portion 171 of the guide pin 170nests within the depression 184 in the inner surface 182 of the mainbody 167 of the eccentric 161. Thus, the guide pin 170 serves as astructure that maintains the eccentric 161 in a desired position withinthe inner cavity 122 of the stem 120 even as the eccentric 161 rotatesdue to its operable coupling to the motor 160. As the eccentric 161rotates during use of the oral care implement 1000, the first portion171 of the guide pin 170 remains located within the aperture 166 andnested within the depression 184. Thus, it could be said that theeccentric 161 rotates around the first portion 171 of the guide pin 170during operation. The guide pin 170 prevents excessive rattling of theeccentric 161 within the inner cavity 122 of the stem 120 which couldotherwise result in an uncomfortable amount of vibration to the headportion 220 during use of the oral care implement 1000.

Referring again to FIGS. 11-14 concurrently, the coupling member 162will be described along with its manner of attachment to the motor 160and the eccentric 161. In certain embodiments, the eccentric 161 may beformed of metal and the coupling member 162 may be formed of plastic.However, other materials are possible for the coupling member 162 andthe eccentric 161 in alternative embodiments. The coupling member 162comprises a first portion 185 that is coupled to the motor 160, a secondportion 186 that is coupled to the second flange 181 of the eccentric161, and a central portion 187 located between the first and secondportions 185, 186. Thus, the first and second portions 185, 186 arelocated on opposite sides of the central portion 187. As seen in thefigures, the central portion 187 has a reduced thickness relative to thefirst and second portions 185, 186. Thus, the coupling member 162 may beflexible and capable of bending about the central portion 187 thereof.

The coupling member 162 extends from a first end 188 to a second end189. The first portion 185 of the coupling member 162 comprises thefirst end 188 and the second portion 186 of the coupling member 162comprises the second end 189. The first end 188 of the coupling member162 comprises an opening 190 therein that leads into an internal cavity192. The coupling member 162 is coupled to the motor 160 by inserting ashaft 191 of the motor 160 through the opening 190 in the first end 188of the coupling member 162 and into the internal cavity 192. Thus, theshaft 191 of the motor 160 nest within the internal cavity 192. Theshaft 191 of the motor 190 is preferably in surface contact with thecoupling member 162 so that rotation of the shaft 191 of the motor 190results in rotation of the coupling member 162, which in turn results inrotation of the eccentric 161 due to its coupling to the second portion186 of the coupling member 162. Specifically, in the exemplifiedembodiment there is a tight fit engagement, such as an interference fit,between the shaft 191 and the walls surrounding the internal cavity 192that causes the coupling member 162 to rotate as the shaft 191 rotates.Of course, other techniques for coupling the shaft 191 to the couplingmember 162 are possible, including engaging mechanical features on each,using hardware, welding, or the like. The coupling member 162 and themotor 160 may be detachably coupled together in some embodiments suchthat the shaft 191 can be readily inserted into and removed from theopening 190 (i.e., such as when the exemplary interference fit is usedto couple those two components together).

As best seen in FIG. 14, the eccentric 161 comprises a peg-like portion193 extending from the first flange 181. The peg-like portion 193 islocated within an internal cavity 194 in the second portion 186 of thecoupling member 162 to couple the eccentric 161 to the coupling member162. The coupling member 162 comprises a top portion 195 that is locatedbetween the first and second flanges 180, 181 of the eccentric 161 sothat the coupling between the eccentric 161 and the coupling member 162is quite secure. The top portion 195 of the coupling member 162 isdirectly adjacent and in contact with the second flange 181 of theeccentric. In fact, in this embodiment the second flange 181 is locatedwithin a recess 196 of the coupling member 162 that is formed into thesecond portion 186 of the coupling member 162. The top portion 195 ofthe coupling member 162 is the portion located between the recess 196and the second end 189 of the coupling member 162. As a result of thisengagement between the eccentric 161 and the coupling member 162,although the motor 160 and the coupling member 162 can be quite easilyseparated from one another, the same is not true of the eccentric 161and the coupling member 162. The eccentric 161 and the coupling member162 may be coupled together so as to operate as a single componentdespite the fact that they might be formed from different materials. Ofcourse, in other embodiments the eccentric 161 and the coupling member162 may be more readily detached from one another if this is desired.

Thus, the coupling of the motor 160, the coupling member 162, theeccentric 161, and the guide pin 170 should now be fully understood.Specifically, the second portion 172 of the guide pin 170 is embeddedwithin the material of the stem 120 and the first portion 171 of theguide pin 170 extends into and is suspended within the inner cavity 122of the stem 120. The eccentric 161 is placed next within the innercavity 122 such that it is translated axially into the inner cavity 122until the first portion 171 of the guide pin 170 extends into andthrough the aperture 166 formed into the second end 198 of the eccentric161. The first portion 171 of the guide pin 170 nests within thedepression 184 of the eccentric 161. The eccentric 161 is coupleddirectly to the coupling member 162, which in turn is coupled directlyto the shaft 191 of the motor 190. Thus, when the motor is activated,the shaft 191 rotates about an axis, which in turn causes the couplingmember 162 to rotate about the axis, which in turn causes the eccentric161 to rotate about the axis. Due to the off-center positioning of themain body 167 of the eccentric 161, rotation of the eccentric 161creates vibrations that are felt within the head portion 220 and thetooth cleaning elements 215 of the oral care implement 1000. Theeccentric 161 is maintained in central position within the inner cavity122 due to its engagement with the first portion 171 of the guide pin170 as described herein. Specifically, the guide pin 170 prevents theeccentric 161 from bumping up against the inner surface 123 of the stem120 when the eccentric 161 is rotating.

In certain aspects, the invention described herein may be directed to amethod of manufacturing the handle 100 of the oral care implement 1000,specifically with regard to the manner in which the guide pin 170becomes embedded within the stem 120. In such a method, first thegripping portion 110 of the handle 100 is formed and provided. Next, amold that defines a mold cavity having a shape that corresponds to ashape of the stem 120 of the handle 100 is provided. Next, the guide pin170 is supported so that the second portion 172 of the guide pin 170 islocated within the mold cavity. At this point, a first material may beinjected into the mold cavity so that the first material surrounds thesecond portion 172 of the guide pin 170 and fills in the entirety of themold cavity. Upon cooling, the first material hardens to form the stem120 of the handle 100 and the second portion 172 of the guide pin 170becomes embedded within the upper portion 142 of the stem 120.Furthermore, a first portion 171 of the guide pin 170 that was notpreviously located within the mold cavity extends into the inner cavity122 of the stem 120. Next, the vibratory element 199, which may comprisethe motor 160, the eccentric 161, and possibly also the coupling member162, are inserted into the inner cavity 122 of the stem 120 until thefirst portion 171 of the guide pin 170 extends into the aperture 166 inthe second end 198 of the eccentric 161. Finally, the stem 120 iscoupled to the gripping portion 110 to form the handle 100 in the mannerdescribed herein. At some point during this method, the electronicscomponent 150 is inserted into the handle 100 and electrically coupledto the motor 160.

The replacement head 200 will now be described herein with reference toFIGS. 5, 15, and 16 concurrently. FIGS. 15, and 16 illustrate thereplacement head 200 with the second component 240 thereof omitted.Thus, FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate only the first component 230 (i.e., therigid material or hard plastic) of the replacement head 200 and omit thesecond component (i.e., the resilient or elastomeric material) of thereplacement head 200. It should be noted that in some embodiments thefirst component 230 is a body of the replacement head 200 and the secondcomponent 240 is an elastomeric material that is overmolded onto thebody. The first component 230 forms the structural skeleton or backboneof the replacement head 200 including portions of the sleeve portion 210and the head portion 220 of the replacement head 200. The firstcomponent 230 of the replacement head 200 comprises the annular recess234 at its bottom end, a basin 237 formed into the head portion 220, andan elongated channel 238 that extends from the annular recess 234 to thebasin 237. The annular recess 234, the elongated channel 238, and thebasin 237 form a continuous depressed portion of the first component 230of the replacement head 200.

Furthermore, the replacement head 200 comprises a locking element 260that is configured to mate with a locking element 290 (FIG. 19) of thehandle 100. In the exemplified embodiment, the locking element 260comprises a slot 261 that is formed into the first component 230. Theslot 261 extends entirely through the first component 230 of thereplacement head 200 from an outer surface 270 of the first component230 to an inner surface 271 of the first component 230. Furthermore, theslot 261 is elongated axially from the bottom edge 231 of the firstcomponent 230 in a direction generally towards the head portion 220. Afirst portion 262 of the slot 261 is located along the annular recess234 of the first component 230 and a second portion 263 of the slot 261is located along the elongated channel 238 of the first component 230.Thus, the slot 261 has a length that is greater than the length of theannular recess 234 but because the slot 261 is also aligned with theelongated channel 238 the entirety of the slot 261 is formed into aportion of the first component 230 of the replacement head 200 that hasa reduced thickness relative to the remainder of the first component 230of the replacement head 200.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 17, and 18, the replacement head 200 will befurther described. FIGS. 5, 17, and 18 illustrate the entire replacementhead 200 including the first component 230 and the second component 240.As has been described herein, in certain embodiments the first component230 is a rigid material such as a hard plastic and the second component240 is a resilient or elastomeric material such as a thermoplasticelastomer. The second component 240 is preferably injection molded ontothe first component 230 so that the second component 240 forms anintegral mass of elastomeric or resilient material that fills in theannular recess 234, the elongated channel 238, and the basin 237. Thus,the second component 240 forms in integral mass of elastomeric materialcomprising a first portion 272 that forms the annular ring 250, a secondportion 273 that forms the soft tissue cleaner 216, and a third portion274 that is disposed within the elongated channel 238.

The second portion 273 of the integral mass of elastomeric material thatforms the soft tissue cleaner 216 comprises a pad portion 276 disposedwithin the basin 237 and a plurality of protuberances or nubs 277extending from an outer surface 278 of the pad portion 276. The thirdportion 274 of the integral mass of elastomeric material connects thefirst portion 272 to the second portion 273 (i.e., connects the annularring 250 to the soft tissue cleaner 216). Furthermore, in theexemplified embodiment the integral mass of elastomeric material alsocomprises a fourth portion 275 that forms the resilient cleaningelements 218 extending from the head portion 220. Specifically, theintegral mass of elastomeric material extends through the passageways219 in the head portion 220 to form both the soft tissue cleaner 216 onthe rear surface 222 of the head portion 220 and the resilient cleaningelements 218 extending from the front surface 221 of the head portion220.

As can be seen in FIGS. 5, 17, and 18, the elastomeric material of thesecond component 240 forms a surface of the slot 261 of the lockingelement 260. Specifically, as noted above the first portion 262 of theslot 261 is located along the annular recess 234 and the second portion263 of the slot 261 is located along the elongated channel 238.Furthermore, the elastomeric material of the second component 240 isdisposed within annular recess 234 and the elongated channel 238. Thus,the elastomeric material of the second component 240 passes directlyover the slot 261 and forms a boundary wall of the slot 261. Thus, theslot 261 is defined in its entirety by a portion of the second component240 that covers the slot 261 and a wall 267 of the first component 230that extends between the inner and outer surfaces 270, 271 of the firstcomponent 230. Although the second component 240 passes over and coversthe slot 261, it does not penetrate into the slot 261 and thus the slot261 remains as an opening that is free of elastomeric material. Theelastomeric material of the second component 240 merely forms one of theboundaries of the slot 261.

When viewed from the outside, the second component 240 covers the slot261 in its entirety so that the slot 260 is not at all visible to a useror consumer. Instead, a consumer or user will only see the outer surfaceof the first component 230 and the second component 240 when viewing thereplacement head 200. Thus, the locking element 260 is not visible orexposed at an outer surface of the replacement head 200. This isaesthetically beneficial in addition to any functional benefits thathave been described herein.

Thus, the slot 261 is closed at the outer surface 270 of the firstcomponent 230 and open at the inner surface 271 of the first component230. This enables the slot 261 to be accessible by a locking element(i.e., locking protuberance) on the stem 120 of the handle 100 despitethe slot 261 being covered and therefore not visible when thereplacement head 200 is viewed by a user or consumer.

As noted previously, the annular ring 250 formed by the first portion272 of the second component 240 extends beyond the bottom edge 231 ofthe first component 230 without covering the bottom edge 231 of thefirst component 230. This is important because the slot 261 is open atthe bottom edge 231 of the first component 230 to enable a lockingprotuberance on the stem 120 of the handle 100 to pass into and nestwithin the slot 261. Thus, the elastomeric material of the secondcomponent 240 cannot cover the opening at the bottom edge 231 of thefirst component 230 that leads into the slot 261.

Referring to FIGS. 19-21 concurrently, the oral care implement 1000 isillustrated with the replacement head 200 detached from the handle 100(FIG. 19) and with the replacement head 200 attached to the handle 100(FIG. 20). The handle 100 comprises a locking protuberance 197protruding from the stem 120 adjacent the distal end 112/shoulder 114 ofthe gripping portion 110. Furthermore, the locking element 260 (i.e.,the locking slot 261) is illustrated in phantom in FIG. 19 because it ishidden from view due to it being covered by the elastomeric material ofthe second component 240.

When the replacement head 200 is coupled to the handle 100, the stem 120of the handle 100 is located within the cavity 214 of the replacementhead 200. Furthermore, the locking protuberance 195 extending from thestem 120 is located within the locking slot 261 of the replacement head200. Thus, before the replacement head 200 can be coupled to the handle100, the locking element 260 (locking slot 261) of the replacement head200 must be axially aligned with the locking protuberance 195 of thestem 120. As the replacement head 200 is translated onto the stem 120,the locking protuberance 195 enters into and becomes nested within thelocking slot 261. The locking element/locking slot 260, 261 and thelocking protuberance 195 have mating features that engage one another tolock the replacement head 200 to the handle 100. The engagement betweenthe locking protuberance 195 and the locking slot 261 is sufficientlystrong so that the oral care implement 1000 can be held upside-down(with the head portion 220 facing the ground) without the replacementhead 200 becoming detached from the handle 100. However, a relativelyminor pull on the replacement head 200 relative to the handle 100 willcause the replacement head 200 to become detached and separated from thehandle 100. The stem 120 may also include alignment ribs 179 that nestwithin alignment channels 279 of the replacement head 200 when thereplacement head 200 is coupled to the handle 100 to facilitate properalignment of the replacement head 200 relative to the handle 100.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examplesincluding presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variationsand permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural andfunctional modifications may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the inventionshould be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

1. An oral care implement comprising: a handle having a longitudinalaxis and comprising: a gripping portion extending from a proximal end toa distal end; and a stem extending from the distal end of the grippingportion, the gripping portion comprising a shoulder that surrounds thestem and an annular rib protruding from the shoulder; a replacement headcomprising a sleeve portion having a cavity and an opening at a proximaledge of the sleeve portion, the proximal edge of the sleeve portionbeing formed from a resilient material; and wherein the replacement headis detachably coupled to the handle with the stem of the handle locatedwithin the cavity of the sleeve portion and the annular rib of theshoulder and the proximal edge of the sleeve portion in contact with oneanother.
 2. The oral care implement according to claim 1 wherein theannular rib forms a continuous ring-shaped wall that is free of any gapstherein.
 3. The oral care implement according to claim 1 wherein theannular rib forms a discontinuous ring-shaped wall comprising aplurality of spaced apart rib segments.
 4. The oral care implementaccording to claim 1 wherein the proximal edge of the sleeve portionforms a surface that is free of any depressions or protrusions, andwherein the annular rib contacts and deforms the resilient material thatforms the proximal edge of the sleeve portion.
 5. The oral careimplement according to claim 1 further comprising an annular depressionformed into the proximal edge of the sleeve portion, and wherein theannular rib protruding from the shoulder of the gripping portion nestswithin the annular depression formed into the proximal edge of thesleeve portion.
 6. The oral care implement according to claim 1 whereinthe replacement head comprises a first component formed of a rigidmaterial and a second component formed of the resilient material, thesecond component forming an annular ring at a proximal end of the sleeveportion, a first portion of the annular ring surrounding a bottomportion of the first component and a second portion of the annular ringextending beyond a bottom edge of the first component.
 7. The oral careimplement according to claim 6 wherein the bottom portion of the firstcomponent comprises an annular recess, the first portion of the annularring disposed within the annular recess so that an outer surface of theannular ring is flush with an outer surface of the first component. 8.The oral care implement according to claim 7 wherein the replacementhead comprises a head portion coupled to the sleeve portion, the headportion having a front surface with tooth cleaning elements extendingtherefrom and a rear surface with a soft tissue cleaner disposedthereon, and further comprising an axially elongated channel formed intothe sleeve portion that extends from the annular ring to the soft tissuecleaner.
 9. The oral care implement according to claim 8 wherein theresilient material is an integral mass comprising a first portion thatforms the annular ring, a second portion that forms the soft tissuecleaner, and a third portion disposed within the axially elongatedchannel in the sleeve portion, the third portion extending between thefirst and second portions.
 10. The oral care implement according toclaim 9 wherein the integral mass further comprises a fourth portionforming a resilient cleaning element extending from the front surface ofthe head portion of the replacement head.
 11. The oral care implementaccording to claim 1 wherein the replacement head comprises a headportion having tooth cleaning elements extending therefrom, and furthercomprising a power source and a motor that are operably coupledtogether, the motor operably coupled to an eccentric that is configuredto vibrate the head portion of the replacement head.
 12. An oral careimplement comprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis and comprisinga gripping portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end and astem extending from the distal end of the gripping portion, the grippingportion comprising a shoulder that surrounds the stem; a replacementhead comprising a sleeve portion having a cavity and an opening at aproximal edge of the sleeve portion; one of the proximal edge of thesleeve portion and the shoulder of the gripping portion comprising aresilient material; an annular rib protruding from one of the proximaledge of the sleeve portion and the shoulder of the gripping portion; andwherein the replacement head is detachably coupled to the handle withthe stem of the handle located within the cavity of the sleeve portionand the proximal edge of the sleeve portion adjacent to the shoulder ofthe gripping portion so that the annular rib of the one of the proximaledge of the sleeve portion and the shoulder of the gripping portion isin direct surface contact with the other one of the proximal edge of thesleeve portion and the shoulder of the gripping portion.
 13. The oralcare implement according to claim 12 wherein the annular rib protrudesfrom the shoulder of the gripping portion and the proximal edge of thesleeve portion of the replacement head comprises the resilient material.14. The oral care implement according to claim 13 wherein the proximaledge of the sleeve portion forms a flat surface that is free of anydepressions or protrusions, and wherein the annular rib contacts anddeforms the resilient material of the proximal edge of the sleeveportion.
 15. The oral care implement according to claim 12 wherein theannular rib protrudes from the proximal edge of the sleeve portion ofthe replacement head.
 16. The oral care implement according to claim 12wherein the replacement head comprises a first component formed of arigid material and a second component formed of the resilient material,the second component forming an annular ring at a proximal end of thesleeve portion, a first portion of the annular ring surrounding a bottomportion of the first component and a second portion of the annular ringextending beyond a bottom edge of the first component, and wherein aninner surface of the sleeve portion of the replacement head is formedentirely by the rigid material of the first component.
 17. The oral careimplement according to claim 16 wherein the bottom portion of the firstcomponent comprises an annular recess, the first portion of the annularring disposed within the annular recess so that an outer surface of thefirst portion of the annular ring is flush with an outer surface of thefirst component.
 18. The oral care implement according to claim 17wherein the replacement head comprises a head portion coupled to thesleeve portion, the head portion having a front surface with toothcleaning elements extending therefrom and a rear surface with a softtissue cleaner disposed thereon, and further comprising an axiallyelongated channel formed into the sleeve portion that extends from theannular recess to the soft tissue cleaner, wherein the resilientmaterial is an integral mass comprising a first portion that forms theannular ring, a second portion that forms the soft tissue cleaner, and athird portion disposed within the axially elongated channel in thesleeve portion, the third portion extending between and connecting thefirst portion to the second portion.
 19. The oral care implementaccording to claim 18 wherein the integral mass further comprises afourth portion forming a resilient cleaning element extending from thefront surface of the head portion of the replacement head.
 20. The oralcare implement according to claim 12 wherein the annular rib forms acontinuous ring-shaped wall that is free of any gaps therein. 21.-60.(canceled)